Scholarship
“Scholarship means a commitment to learning.  A student is willing to spend hours in reading and study, because he or she knows the lasting benefits of a cultivated mind.  We should continue to learn even when formal education has ended, for education ends only with life.  Knowledge is one great element in life, which leads to the highest success, and it can be acquired in only one way—through diligence and effort.  Learning furnishes the lamp by which we read the past, and the light, which illuminates the future.  Each candidate has the charge to continually expand his world through the opportunities inherent in scholarship.”

Leadership
“Leadership should exert a wholesome influence on the school.  In taking the initiative in class and school activities, the real leader strives to train and aid others to attain the same objective.  The price of leadership is sacrifice—the willingness to yield one’s personal interest for the interest of others.  A leader has self-confidence and will go forward when others hesitate.  No matter what power and resources may exist in a country, they are ineffectual without the guidance of a wise leader.  Leadership is always needed, and is thus a substantive charge to each of our members and to the candidates.”

Service 
“Service can be expressed in various ways.  In the routine of the day’s work, many opportunities arise for help to others.  Willingness to work without monetary compensation or without recognition for the benefit of those in need is the quality we seek in our membership.  We are committed to the idea of volunteering our time and abilities to the creation of a better tomorrow.” 

Character
“Character is the force in one man that distinguishes him from others.  It gives him individuality and personality.  It is that without which no man can respect himself, nor hope to attain the respect of others.  It is this force of character that guides men through life, when once developed, grows steadily.  Character is achieved and not received.  It is the product of constant action, daily striving to make the right choice.  The problem of character is the problem of self-control.  We must be in reality what we wish to appear to others.  By demonstrating such qualities as reliability, honesty, and sincerity, we may hope to prove by example that we value character.”

National Honor Society Handbook – 15th Edition
National Association of Secondary School Principals, 1997.